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Britain & Ireland Explorer - Classic Group
13 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Durham, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Inverness, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Kendal, Lake District, Liverpool, Conwy, Isle of Anglesey, Dublin, Killarney, Blarney, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath, Stonehenge, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B904ZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Britain & Ireland Explorer - Classic Group" tour, a captivating journey through the rich history and stunning landscapes of England, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. This immersive experience offers a blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty, from the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon to the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Discover the enchanting Lake District, the legendary Loch Ness, and the rugged beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy authentic dining experiences, including a traditional Yorkshire dinner and a Farm-to-Table lunch in County Tipperary. With guided tours, local experts, and special experiences like a visit to the Guinness Storehouse and a cruise on Loch Lomond, this tour promises unforgettable memories. Accommodations are provided in comfortable hotels, ensuring a relaxing journey as you explore iconic sites like Stonehenge, Blarney Castle, and the Roman Baths. Join us for an extraordinary adventure across these storied lands.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Stratford And Medieval York
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, York
Accommodation: Hilton York.
Accommodation Name: Hilton, York
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet your Travel Director at the trip hotel in London and journey to Stratford, beautifully situated on the River Avon. Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue on to York, where you walk within the old city walls to the crooked houses of the Shambles and see York Minster, England’s largest medieval cathedral. Join your Travel Director for the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
Day 2: Durham, Hadrian's Wall And Edinburgh Relaxed Start
Location: Durham, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stop in Durham to see the castle and Romanesque cathedral. Then view part of Hadrian's Wall, Britain's most impressive Roman monument, once spanning 80 miles from coast-to-coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Cross the Scottish border to reach the elegant Scottish capital, Edinburgh.
Day 3: Scotland’S Capital Of Culture
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King - before crossing over to New Town. Next, walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town and to see Scotland's Crown Jewels and Mons Meg. The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. In the evening, select departures will enjoy the spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – a colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres with pipes and drums.
Day 4: St. Andrews And Inverness
Location: St. Andrews, Inverness
Accommodation: AC Hotel Inverness by Marriott
Accommodation Name: AC by Marriott, Inverness , Hotel B&B, Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife. Make your way to St. Andrews, home to the Old Course and birthplace of golf. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Your travels continue as you cross the Tay river. Journey via Blair Atholl and past the Grampian Mountains to the sparkling Spey Valley. Later, continue to Inverness and your hotel.
Day 5: Loch Ness And Glencoe
Location: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Kendal
Accommodation: Castle Green Hotel, Kendal.
Accommodation Name: Castle Green, Kendal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, travel along Loch Ness and hear tales of the famous Nessie. Continue your journey through some of the most stunning scenery in all of Scotland, found in the region of Glencoe. Reach the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and admire the incredible scenery as you cruise what is arguably one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, while enjoying a light lunch. Cross the English border before arriving at your lakeside hotel.
Day 6: The English Lakes To Liverpool Relaxed Start
Location: Lake District, Liverpool
Accommodation: To Be Confirmed
Accommodation Name: Maldron, Liverpool
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, discover the beauty of the Lake District. Continue to your hotel in Liverpool. In the afternoon, why not join The Beatles City Tour Optional Experience?
Day 7: North Wales And Over To Dublin Relaxed Start
Location: Conwy, Isle of Anglesey, Dublin
Accommodation: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin, The Morgan Hotel, Dublin.
Accommodation Name: Trinity City, Dublin, Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, continue through Wales and see the massive Conwy Castle before crossing over to the Isle of Anglesey. The village with the longest name in Europe will be visible - see if you are able to read it aloud! From the port of Holyhead, set sail for Dublin in Ireland.
Day 8: In Dublin’S Fair City
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Trinity City, Dublin, Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience Ireland's national world-famous drink with a guided visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production.Later, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during sightseeing with a Local Expert. See famous O’Connell Street, the Custom House and Dublin Castle. For the rest of the afternoon, you are free to soak up the Irish atmosphere or browse the shops along Grafton Street.
Day 9: From Dublin To Killarney
Location: Dublin, Killarney
Accommodation: The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney., International Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Gleneagle, Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel to Ireland's premier thoroughbred horse breeding region for a fascinating, behind-the-scenes visit of the National Stud with an equine professional. You then visit the acclaimed 100-year-old Japanese Gardens, where you can 'journey through life.' Cross the rolling pastures that encircle Tipperary to Brookfield Farm and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Ailbhe Gerrard, a passionate farmer and beekeper, who shares her secrets to crafting the most delicious and sustainable honey of the island over a delicious Farm-to-Table lunch. At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.
Day 10: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney
Accommodation: The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney., International Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Gleneagle, Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, join a delightful trip around the Ring of Kerry, a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages. Get a sense of the unhurried pace of Irish life as you pass through Ireland’s highest mountain range and make your way to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Explore Killarney with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear.
Day 11: Blarney Castle And Waterford
Location: Blarney, Waterford
Accommodation: Granville Hotel, Waterford.
Accommodation Name: Granville, Waterford
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Choose to climb up the ramparts and see the famous Stone of Eloquence. Alternatively, visit the lush gardens of the estate with a senior gardener. Travel on through the scenic port of Dungarvan to the historic walled city of Waterford, with its 11th century Reginald Tower. Enjoy a guided visit of the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal and meet a master craftsman. In the evening, after miles of fun and fascinating sights, spirits will be high during your Celebration Dinner. Toast to your newfound friends — Sláinte!
Day 12: Across The Irish Sea To Cardiff
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Accommodation Name: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals Included: Breakfast
From the port of Rosslare, board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. A pleasant drive will then take you into the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Continue past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and brilliant Principality Stadium.
Day 13: Roman Baths, Stonehenge And London
Location: Bath, Stonehenge, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community.See the incredibly well-preserved remains of one of the greatest spas of the ancient world, still flowing with the natural hot water from the springs below. Your journey continues across Salisbury Plain for a visit to mysterious Stonehenge - no-one can be sure why they were built, or even how prehistoric man could move such huge blocks of stone. Your exploration of Britain and Ireland draws to a close upon your return to the hotel in London.
What's Included
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included for various locations such as York Minster, Edinburgh Castle, Guinness Storehouse, and the Roman Baths.
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Local Experts
Local experts will guide you through Edinburgh, Dublin, and other key locations.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided throughout the tour, including a ferry crossing from Holyhead to Dublin and from Rosslare to Cardiff.
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Special Experiences
Special experiences include a visit to the Irish National Stud, a Farm-to-Table lunch at Brookfield Farm, and a cruise on Loch Lomond.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to various attractions such as Blarney Castle, Waterford Crystal, and Stonehenge are included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as The Beatles City Tour in Liverpool are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation is provided throughout the tour, including a ferry crossing from Holyhead to Dublin and from Rosslare to Cardiff.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Hilton York, Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh, AC Hotel Inverness by Marriott, Castle Green Hotel, Maldron Liverpool, Trinity City Hotel Dublin, The Gleneagle Hotel Killarney, Granville Hotel Waterford, and Clayton Hotel Cardiff.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
Insight Experiences
- Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll get a rare peek into it over your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.
- Waterford: Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master crafters utilise traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as a visit to the Irish National Stud, a Farm-to-Table lunch at Brookfield Farm, and a cruise on Loch Lomond. Additionally, you can explore the Roman Baths and learn about sustainable farming practices in County Tipperary.
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Are there any special dining experiences during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several special dining experiences, including a traditional Yorkshire dinner in York, a light lunch while cruising on Loch Lomond, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, and a Dine-Around evening in Killarney where you can choose from a selection of local restaurants.
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What are the options for exploring Killarney National Park?
In Killarney National Park, you have the option to explore the scenery on a horse-drawn jaunting car with local jarveys or join a gentle hike with a nature guide to admire the stunning mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls.
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What is the significance of the Blarney Stone?
The Blarney Stone is famous for bestowing the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. It is said to give people the power to persuade, flatter, and coax. The stone is made from 330-million-year-old limestone.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, York Minster, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh Castle, the Rock of Cashel, and Stonehenge. You will also see Conwy Castle and the medieval city walls in Waterford.
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What is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular event that takes place in August, featuring a colorful mixture of historic battles and military maneuvers with pipes and drums. It is a highlight of the tour for select departures.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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